AirAsia signs Expedia deal

This is one of the first partnerships of its kind globally between a low cost carrier (LCC) and an online travel agent (OTA).

Under the joint venture agreement, a new company will be formed to operate Expedia’s branded businesses in Japan, India and Southeast Asia, as well as AirAsia’s AirAsiaGo and GoRooms businesses.

The new venture will have the exclusive online third-party distribution rights in the region for AirAsia and AirAsiaX flights and travel packages meaning that with few exceptions in the region the only place to find and book AirAsia flights online will be AirAsia.com, AirAsiaGo.com and Expedia.

Taken together with over 130,000 hotels worldwide, this will create a unique set of packages for customers.

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In addition, AirAsia and Expedia are partnering outside of the new venture to make Expedia the exclusive third party travel provider for AirAsia inventory allowing travellers to book AirAsia flights on any of Expedia’s travel sites worldwide.

“With this announcement AirAsia and Expedia are launching a revolution in online travel for Asia. This partnership between two global brands and leaders in the travel industry comes at a time when online travel bookings are exploding in the region. Asia and its booming economy offers a huge opportunity to develop a set of loved consumer brands,” said Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia.

“We are pleased to have Expedia as our partner and are proud to welcome them to Asia. We’ve taken our time to find a great partner that understands Asia and matches our drive, passion and aspiration.”

Barry Diller, Chairman and Senior Executive, Expedia, Inc., said, “We are delighted to have established such a meaningful partnership with AirAsia, and are confident that this new endeavour between Expedia and AirAsia will support our mutual aspirations to make travel accessible to consumers the world over. Given AirAsia’s position as the world’s leading low-cost carrier, combined with Expedia’s impressive selection of global travel offerings and package technology, we think this partnership enables both companies to offer travellers world-class travel products at an unparalleled value.”